Under the leadership of President Randy Boyd, The University of Tennessee System has broken records in enrollment and graduation rates, expanded research efforts, and made substantial infrastructure investments.  Alongside its dedication to higher education through its campuses across the state, The University of Tennessee System is also focused on addressing the state's most pressing challenges. Through UT's Grand Challenges, the university invests up to $5 million in innovative, community-focused projects aimed at strengthening rural communities, overcoming addiction, and advancing K-12 education. In this episode of TENNESSEE MATTERS, John Clark is joined by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd and UT System Strategist John Lacey, who helps lead the Grand Challenges initiative.

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) aims to operate safe and secure facilities while providing effective community supervision to support successful reentry across the state. TDOC is actively working to reduce recidivism through evidence-based programs, community partnerships, and reentry services while managing fully functional communities inside the walls.  For this episode of Tennessee Matters,  Heather Stanford, Asst. Commissioner of Human Resources and Staff Development joins John Clark to talk about the opportunities to find a meaningful career with TDOC.  Website: https://www.tn.gov/correction.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TNDepartmentofCorrection

The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) was established in 1963 to promote and protect human rights through education and enforcement. Initially an advisory body, it became an enforcement agency in 1978 with the passage of the Tennessee Human Rights Act. The THRC addresses discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, and disability. As April is recognized as Fair Housing Month celebrating the Fair Housing Act of 1968, John Clark talks with Executive Director Muriel Nolen,and Communications Director Jacob Aparicio for this episode of Tennessee Matters. Website: www.tn.gov/humanrights

It's no accident that some of the world's biggest brands have chosen to call Tennessee home. 
The Tennessee Dept. of Economic & Community Development is constantly promoting Tennessee's attractive business climate and has delivered many success stories that are impacting the state now and into the future.  TNECD is not only behind the relocation and expansion of businessess in the Volunteer state, but they also help people develop new skills for an emerging workforce that is needed.  Recently, John Clark spoke with Stewart McWhorter, Commissioner of TNECD for this episode of TENNESSEE MATTERS. TNECD website: https://tnecd.com/

The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS) is dedicated to connecting veterans of all eras with the benefits they have earned, including healthcare, education, and financial assistance. The department plays a crucial role in advocating for veterans' rights, assisting with active duty casualties, and hosting outreach events to raise awareness and support for veterans and their families. TDVS operates 14 field offices and four state veterans cemeteries. 
Recently John Clark spoke with TDVS Commissioner General Tommy Baker about how his team ensures veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve. 
Website: https://www.tn.gov/veteran

All states are vying to attract new businesses and industries, making the competition fierce. Tennessee has excelled in this arena, successfully attracting major companies and driving significant job growth for the future. A crucial factor in this success is developing a skilled and qualified workforce for emerging sectors.  The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development plays a vital role in preparing this workforce, and Commissioner Deniece Thomas recently joined John Clark to talk about it on TENNESSEE MATTERS. website: https://www.tn.gov/workforce.html

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established in 1933 to provide flood control, improve navigation, generate electricity, and promote economic development in the Tennessee Valley region. Today, it is the largest public power provider in the U.S., supplying electricity to about 10 million people. On this episode of Tennessee Matters, the TVA's Ashley England joins John Clark to talk about saving money on your heating bills this winter.   #tva https://www.tva.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TVA

The newly established Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging aims to enhance the quality of life and independence of older adults and Tenneseans with disabilities. The department was formed by merging the TN Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) and the Dept. of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD), creating a more streamlined organization. By combining these two entities, the state can better coordinate services, advocate more effectively, and address the needs of a rapidly growing aging population.  Commissioner Brad Turner is John Clark's guest on this episode Tennessee Matters to talk about his vision for the TN Dept. of Disability and Aging. 
Website: linked here.
Facebook: linked here.

Lasagna Love is dedicated to fostering community connections through the simple act of delivering homemade meals. Founded during the pandemic, Lasagna Love addresses food insecurity and offers a comforting gesture during challenging times. The organization also aims to eliminate the stigma associated with asking for help, ensuring that anyone can receive support without judgment. Recently Melanie Johnson, Regional Director for Tennessee joined John Clark for this episode of Tennessee Matters. 
Website: https://lasagnalove.org
FB & IG: @WeAreLasagnaLove

The State of Tennessee is the state's number one employer with a headcount of more than 40,000.  It's a big group assigned to important tasks we all depend on like public safety, infrastructure and transportation, education, and healthcare among many others.  With a staff that big, naturally there are lots of job opportunities at any given moment for positions like law enforcement, attorneys, dentists, accountants and even veterinarians. For this episode of Tennessee Matters, John Clark talks with Kimberly Mantlo, HR Program Administrator, Recruiting for the State of Tennessee.  TN HR website: https://www.tn.gov/hr